Assistant Preparator (Non-Exempt), Corcoran Gallery of Art - posted 5/18/11

POSITION TITLE: Assistant Preparator (Non-Exempt)

DEPARTMENT: Museum Registrar

REPORTS TO: Head Registrar

QUALIFICATIONS: BA/BFA degree and two to four years museum work experience in the technical aspects of museum standard art handling practices, storage, installation, and packing. The candidate must:

• be responsible and self-motivated, maintain a professional demeanor, have the ability to work as team member, and be willing to work under direct supervision.
• demonstrate knowledge of basic carpentry skills.
• be computer literate.
• have the ability to work unscheduled overtime during periods of installation/de-installation.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Assistant Preparator assists the Senior Preparator and Preparator in all technical aspects of art handling with regard to installation, packing/unpacking, and storage of objects under the direction of the Head Registrar, Conservator, and Curators. He/she assists with the maintenance of the Art Storage and Preparator’s Studio and routine maintenance of museum galleries.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assists the Senior Preparator and Preparator in all technical aspects of museum standard art handling practices with regard to installation, packing/unpacking and storage of objects under the direction of the Head Registrar, Conservator and Curators.
2. Performs detailed work using reasoning and problem solving skills, performing multiple concurrent tasks with constant interruptions.
3. Initiates and follows through to completion tasks assigned by Head Registrar.
4. Assists with maintaining the appearance of exhibition space including dusting, cleaning of plexi, paint touch-up, and sweeping, and care and cleaning of exhibit cases, plexi vitrines, and various other miscellaneous exhibition furniture.
5. Assists in the maintenance of the Art Storage areas and Preparator’s Studio in coordination with the Senior Preparator and Preparator
6. Assists with preparation of exhibition furniture, fabrication, construction and painting.
7. On occasion, will provide supervision of contracted preparators.
8. Is able to lift and move objects weighing 50 pounds; and to work at heights over eight feet.
9. Maintains and continually increases their level of professional expertise through professional training (workshops) and contact with others in the field.
10. Performs other duties as assigned by the Head Registrar.

To apply:
Please send a cover letter and résumé with at least three references to:
hr@corcoran.org
-OR-
Human Resources Department
Corcoran
500 Seventeenth Street NW
Washington, DC 20006
EOE 9/07
Updated 11/07
Updated 5/11